(GLM  III, 12 October 2009 N o 123 Article  1421)  
 
Registered  
at the Ministry  
of Justice of Georgia  
Registration code  
300.380.000.22.024.013.638  
 
Order No  1-1/2287  
on approv ing the safety rules for petroleum storage depots  
adopted by the Minister of Economic Development  
in Tbilisi on 7 October  2009  
 
In accordance with Article 5(1) of the law of Georgia ‘On  safety at hazardous production facilities’, 
Article 17(4) of  the law of Georgia ‘On statutory regulations’ and Article 8(3)(q) of the regulations 
approved u nder Decree No 77 ‘On approval  of the regulations of the Ministry of Economic 
Development of Georgia’ of the Govern ment of Georgia of 10 September  2004, I hereby order:  
1. approval of  the annexed safety rules at petroleum storage depots ; 
2. enact ment of  this Order on 15 October.  
 
Z.Pololikashvili  
 
 
Safet y rules at petroleum storage depots  
 
Chapter  I. Regulatory scope and definitions  
 
Article  1. Regulatory scope  
The safety rules at petroleum storage depots  (hereinafter referred to as the “Rules ”) stipulate t he 
safety requirements for operating  petroleum storage depot s and in respect of its site, buildings, 
structures and technological systems , as well as production, storage and  procedures for the disposal 
of petroleum and petroleum derivatives (hereinafter re ferred to as Petroleum Derivative s). 
 
Article 2. Definitions  
1. Petroleum storage depot  (petroleum terminal)  shall mean  any facility intended for tran shipment of 
Petroleum Derivative s from one means of transportation to another , acceptance of Petroleum 
Derivative s from other means of transportation and delivery thereof to a consumer , and storage 
thereof.  
2. Reservoir  shall mean any stationary tank  intended for storing  Petroleum Derivative s. 
3. Underground reservoir  shall mean any Reservoir  with a maximal lo ad level of at least 0.2  m lower 
than the  lowest design ated mark  of the site  (within at least three  metres  of the  walls of the 
Reservoir).  
4. Overground  reservoir  shall mean any Reservoir  the location of which  does not correspond to the 
description  of the Underground reservoir.  
5. Group of reservoirs  shall mean any group of  earth -mounded  Reservoirs  or Reservoirs surrounded 
with a protective wall within the territory of the Petroleum storage depot . 
6. Technological system  shall mean any  device  which provides  for the acceptance , storage and 
disposal of Petroleum Derivative s. 7. Pump station  shall mean any utility integrated in the technological system intended for  dispensing 
Petroleum Derivative s into tank cars, oil ships and tank trucks, as well as pumping -over within the 
territory of  the storage depot  through  creating  and maintaining  the pressure differential in pipes of  
different  diameters  of the linear pipeline portion . 
8. Linear pipeline portion  shall mean any device intended for moving Petroleum Derivativ es 
between the Pump station and/or tanks, ships and battery of tanks (Reservoirs).  
9. Gas-equali sing line system  shall mean any device  which provides for equali sing the pressure of 
the fuel gaseous phase i n the Reservoir(s) integrated in an interconnected system by means of 
deaeration.  
10. Deaeration system  shall mean any set of appliances which provides for the connection of an 
empty space of the Reservoir with the atmosphere.  
11. Rail car  shall mean any cistern wagon intended for transporting Petroleum De rivative s. 
12. Tank truck  shall mean any specific truck intended for transporting Petroleum Derivative s. 
13. Rail car/Tank truck dock  shall mean any Technological system intended for  accepting and 
accommodating rakes/Tank cars in the course of oil loading/ unloading operations at the Petroleum 
storage depot . 
14. Boiler  shall mean any technological device intended for heating Petroleum Derivative s through 
obtaining vapo ur. 
15. Stop valve  shall mean any device  used for stopping the flow in the pipeline.  
16. Pipe joint  shall mean any  demountable fixed joint of parts of the Reservoir,  the hermiticity  of 
which  is provided by consolidation of the connected surfaces  with the binding details or the washer 
inserted between them.  
17. Explosion temperature  shall mean the minimal temperature at which  Petroleum Derivative 
vapo ur ignites . 
18. Gas-separator  shall mean any structure separating the air from a fuel upon filling a fuel into the 
Reservoir.  
19. Ex-area shall mean any space  where explosive mixtures exist or may for m, and where 
restrictions are applied in order to reduce the risk of explosion.  
20. Induction  shall mean the instructions regarding the safety and the safe methods of performance 
of works, technological appliances and use of devices.  
21. Company specificat ions shall mean  methodological  guidelines on the sequence of specific works  
and performance of duties  carried out  by different positions at a company and accepted by their 
management.  
22. Works in gas -hazardous areas  shall mean any check s, cleaning and rep air works of technological 
appliances and communications, including inside vo lumetric facilities, where fire hazardous and 
explosive gases  and harmful substances  may be emitted , as well as any works  upon the oxygen 
deficiency (at least 20% as per volume).  
 
Chapter  II. Staff  
 
Article  3. Management and specialists  
1. Petroleum storage depot  staff shall  observe the requirements of the Rul es and the Company 
specifications as per their competence s. 
2. The person in charge of safety at the Petroleum storage depot  shall : 
(a) ensure that  the requirements set  out under the law of Georgia ‘On safety at hazardous production 
facilities’, the Rules and other regulatory documents applicable to the sector of industrial safety  are 
observed . (b) give immediate notice  of any incident/accident at the  Petroleum storage depot  to the LEoPL 
State Inspection for Technical Supervision of Georgia (hereinafter referred  to as the Technical  
Inspection) and the emergency response units of  local government bodies . 
 
Article  4. Operating sta ff 
1. Prior to access to a work, operating staff shall  be acquainted  with the Rules and, if any, the 
Company specifications.  
2. Prior to access to a work  other than a former  work , operating staff shall undergo  safety training. 
Such safety training shall be  provided by the person in charge of  safety, who shall maintain the 
specific cards or book for that purpose . 
3. Upon the introduction of new technological processes, as well as the modification of requirements 
or the application of new safety instructions , operating staff shall undertake  Induction within the 
terms set by the management of the Petroleum storage depot . 
 
Chapter  III. Facilities of the Petroleum storage depot  
 
Article  5. Construction and operation  
1. Any  designed construction and reconstruction  works at the Petroleum storage depot  shall be 
performed in accordance with Decree No  57 of 24 March 2009  ‘On the procedure for issuing  
construction permit s and related terms and conditions’ of the Government of Georgia.  
2. Upon operating  technology , energ y supply and other facilities, as well as any ancillary device of 
the Petroleum storage depot , safety requirements shall be met according to  operation manuals, the 
Rules and other regulatory documents.  
3. Some of t he Company ’s own technical specifications and methodology related to  the operation of 
the Petroleum storage depot , which do not contradict the requirements set out under the Rules and 
regulatory documents , may be elaborated and applied . 
4. The Petroleum storage depot  may not be operated upon discl osure of any non-compliance with 
the requirements of any regulatory  documentation  or operation manuals in the course of any 
technical inspection, installation or operation.  
 
Article  6. Site of the Petroleum storage depot  
1. For the purposes of normal maint enance of the Petroleum storage depot  site,  the drainage systems 
for surface and subsoil waters , access  to fire hydrants and storage  of water, if any,  the systems of 
water supply, firefighting , industrial and  household  sewage , drainage and heating, enclosu res of 
batteries of tanks, sewage disposal facilities and  a site fence  shall be  in permanent  operati on. 
2. No open fire may  be used in the Petroleum storage depot  territory.  For the purposes of welding 
works, a specific  area shall be designate for this  within a site.  Welding works may be performed in 
an area other than the assigned  area only upon strict compliance with firefighting  requirements.  
3. Transport access and smoking restriction signs shall be installed in designated  areas of the 
Petroleum storage  depot  territory. Smoking is only permitted  within dedicated and duly equipped 
places. As per  the decision of a  member of  management of the Petroleum storage depot , other  
prohibitive, warning and indicative signs may be installed within the Petroleum stora ge depot  
territory.  
4. The depth landmarks indicating the setting of indust rial buildings and structures (R eservoirs, 
pumps, docks, etc.) and beddings shall be installed within the Petroleum storage depot  territory. 
During the first year of operation, mont hly measurements  shall be taken; thereafter, measurements 
shall be taken twice yearly . 
5. Buried industrial pipelines, water -supply lines, sewages , heat supply networks, cables  and other 
communications shall have  surface signs  at connections with  junctions . 6. Upon  loading/unload ing oil at  a dock, as well as during any check s and repairs,  for the purposes 
of spot lightings,  explosion -proof  battery  lights  shall be used  and turned on/off  beyond  the Ex -area.  
 
Article  7. Buildings and structure  
1. The minimal d istance between batteries of tanks and oil load ing/unload ing devices at the 
Petroleum storage depot  and any residential and public premises and other facilities shall comply 
with the distance s indicated in Annex 1.  
2. The distances indicated in Annex 1  shall refer to those : (i) between batteries of tanks and 
neighbouring buildings and structures , i.e. the edge of area of battery of tanks and outer walls or 
constructions ; (ii) up to a railway and a motor road , i.e. a border of relevant road ; and (iii) from 
loading/unloading devices , i.e. the axis of railway line with  loading/unloading docks . 
3. The distances set  out under the Rules shall be calculated  as the orthogonal distance between 
facilities.  
4. The distances indicated in Annex 1 may be halved, if : 
(a) a wall of building or structure located front -face to the Petroleum storage depot  territo ry is dead 
and is fireproof  for at least two hours; 
(b) the Petroleum storage depot  is equipped with an autonomous fire extinguisher or dwarf wall or 
similar device;  
(c) the Underground reservoir is located within the Petroleum storage depot  territory.  
5. Buildings, where i gnition,  emission or accumulation  of hazardous gases  may occur , shall be 
equipped with gas monitors. Relevant warnings shall be put up inside such bui ldings.  A list of gas -
hazardous areas and a sampling schedule for identifying  harmful substances in the air shall be 
approved by a member of management of the Petroleum storage depot . 
6. No oil transportation  pipelines or storage depot  spaces may be arrang ed under buildings and 
structures located within the Petroleum storage depot  territory.  
7. Any ind ustrial and ancillary buildings  as well as other structures shall be equipped with  the 
primary means  of firefighting in accordance with  fire safety requiremen ts. 
 
Article  8. Water supply and sewage  
1. The Petroleum storage depot  shall have  industrial, drinking and firefighting  water supply systems.  
2. The  water supply  for firefighting  shall conform to  the requirements set out under Decree No 449 
‘On approval of  firefighting  rules applicable in Georgia’ of 27 March 2007 of the Minister of 
Interior of Georgia.  
3. Any d ischarge of wastewater into the industrial and waste -water drainage  resulting from the 
Reservoir being cleaned shall be avoided . Petroleum Derivativ es may  not be discharged in to the 
industrial and waste -water drainage even in an  emergency.  
4. The industrial sewage system of the Petroleum storage depot  shall be equipped with hydraulic 
valves.  Such valves shall be installed at any and all outflows of th e Pump stations, 
loading/unloading docks, R eservoirs and the Boiler, as well as junctions of mains and specific 
branches of sewage.  
5. Operating staff shall regularly supervise the operation and performance  of sewage disposal plants 
and junctions , and shal l ensu re that the quality of the  water from specific facilities  is monitored . 
Results shall be entered in to the specific book of  a sewage disposal plant.  
 
Article  9. Ventilation  
1. Any buildings and structures intended for technological processes of produc tion, storage and 
disposal of Petroleum Derivative s shall be equipped with  ventilation in accordance with  the 
requirements set  out for the operation of technological devices and appliances.  2. In the course of  any major or repair works, the ventilation of buildings and structures shall ensure 
the required temperature and relative humidity and  that the content of harmful substances in the air 
at workplaces and working areas  is minimised . 
3. Upon  intake of air, the inf low ( outflow ) ventilation system shall exclude  any ingress of  explosive 
hazardous vapour (risk of explosion ). 
4. All ventilation  system s shall be  safely  earthed . 
5. An emergency ventilation system shall be arra nged in any industrial premises  where  the sudden 
accumulation of  a substantial quantity  of harmful and explosive hazardous substances  may occur . 
6. The efficiency tests of any ventilation  system shall be performed on  an annual basis, as well as 
after any major repair or reconstruction  works . 
 
Article  10. Devices  
1. Devices may not be operate d if out of order or under a load or pressure exceeding  the rated 
values.  
2. Any repaired device shall be commissioned after  its compliance with  the rated or certificate 
values , and with the relevant safety requirements, has been checked . 
3. In the event t hat any non-compliance  of a device with  the safety requirements  is identified in the 
course of  technical inspection, installation or operation, the further operation  thereof  shall be ceased.  
4. Technological systems shall be equipped with control, protecti on and blocking tools necessary for 
safe operation.  
5. No non-standard protectors may be installed upon equipping a Petroleum storage depot  with 
electronic systems . Any modification to the  power supply network s and  air ducts  and/or  
arrangement of  temporary  grids  in industrial buildings  shall be performed in accordance  with  the 
relevant  safety requirements.  
 
Chapter  IV. Safety requirements for  the operation of main devices  
and buildings of  Petroleum storage depot s 
 
Article  11. Reservoirs  
1. All Reservoir s shall be operated in accordance with the operational specifications , repair rules and 
engineering requirements of the Petroleum storage depot . 
2. Reservoirs  shall be allocated  to different groups  within the territory of the Petroleum storage 
depot . The total  capacity (m3) of each group may not exceed : 
(a) 200  000 upon use of at least  50 000 m3 capacity  Reservoirs with floating (pontoon) hoods;  
(b) 120  000 upon use of at least 50  000 m3 capacity Reservoirs with floating hoods;  
(c) 120  000 upon storage of Petro leum Derivatives with explosive temperature of at least 450oC in 
stationary hood Reservoirs;  
(d) 80 000 upon storage of Petroleum Derivatives with an explosive temperature not exceeding  
450oC in stationary hood Reservoirs.  
3. The capacity of a Reservoir wi th floating hood may not exceed  120 000 m3 and the capacity of a 
Reservoir with pontoon or stationary hood may not exceed  50 000 m3. 
4. Reservoirs of at least  10 000 m3 capacity shall be grouped in one or two lines.  
5. Reservoirs up to  400 m3 (inclusively)  may be allocated within one group of the total  4 000 m3 
capacity  provided that the distance between  walls of the reservoirs may not be subject to any 
standard, and the distance between neighbouring groups of Reservoirs of the total capacity of  4 000 
m3 constitute  15 m. 
6. The distances between the Overground  reservoirs included in the same  group  shall constitute : 
(a) half (0.5) of a diameter , but not more than 20 m for Reservoirs  with floating hoods;  
(b) 0.65 of a diameter  for Reservoirs with stationary ho ods; (c) 0.75 of a diameter, but not more than 30 m for Reservoirs with floating  hoods intended for 
storage of  Petroleum Derivatives with  an explosive temperature of a maximum of  450oC and half of 
a diameter,  but not more than 20 m for Reservoirs intended for storing Petroleum Derivatives with 
an explosive temperature of at least 450oC. 
7. The distanc e between walls of the nearest R eservoirs in the adjacent gr oups shall constitute 40 m 
for Overground  reservoirs and 15 m for U nderground reservoirs. Upon plac ing each group of 
Overground  reservoirs in a separate  pit, the distance between  the edges of such pit shall constitute 
15 m.  
8. Any reservoir bedding shall be protected aga inst precipitation washing, which shall be drained 
from  sites of batteries of reserv oirs or a detached reservoir to the sewage. It is prohibited to sink the 
lower part of any Reservoir in to the soil and to collect the rain water around  any Reservoir.  
9. Any group of Overground  reservoirs shall be surrounded by the earth -deposit ( the upper  part 
width of which shall constitute at least 0.5 m) or a wall designed in consideration of  the hydraulic 
pressure of any spill.  Any deposit or wall shall have overpass stairs.  
10. The height of any enclosure a round any group of Reservoirs shall exceed th e rated level of spill 
by at least 0.2 m and at least 1 m higher for R eservoirs with a capacity of up to 10  000 m3 and 1.5  m 
for those with the greater capacity.  
11. Gate valve s may  not be arrange d inside any battery of Reservoirs with the except ion of  valves 
installed directly at a R eservoir intended only for that specifi c Reservoir. No enclosure is necessary 
upon use of a Reservoir with protective walls.  
12. Prior to commissioning , all R eservoir s shall be tested. Before testing , the deviations of the actual 
geometrical dimensions and shapes of the storage depot  and bedding and  steel elements ( storage 
depot , walls, roof, pontoon or floating hood, etc.) shall be examined against the designed values.  
13. Following  the installation of all devices, a ny Reservoi r may be put under operation  following  
completion of leak and stability tests . 
14. The tank valving installed on the roof of the  Reservoir shall be calibrated for rated pressures and 
its proper operation shall be test ed in accordance with the operation gui delines.  
15. The filling (emptying) capacity of a Reservoir shall strictly correspond to the conducting 
capacity of  the installed tank valving, safety valves and air -vent pipes.  
16. Upon operation of the  gas equali sing system,  Reservoirs intended for Petro leum Derivatives 
with similar physical and chemical characteristics shall be united in  a group of Reservoirs . 
17. For the purposes of efficient operation of the gas equali sing system, the following shall be 
provided: (a) the synchro nism of filling and empt ying R eservoirs as per  their  duration and capacity;  
(b) the full leak proofness of  the system;  (c) the regular check ing and straining of pipe joints and the 
check ing of proper ope ration of tank valving.  
18. No Reservoir valves may be heated with fire; inste ad, w ater vapour  and hot water may be used 
for this purpose . 
 
Article  12. Process pipelines  
1. The process pipelines of the Petroleum storage depot  include  the intra -storage flow lines of the 
Petroleum Derivatives, pipeline joints, valves, regulating and p rotective valves, metering and control 
units, filters and other appliances.  
2. The flow lines may be laid both under the ground and on the surface. Any line intended for  
viscous Petroleum Derivatives shall be insulated.  
3. No valves, pipe and corner joints  or drainage ma y be arranged under footways, roads  and railway  
lines . 
4. All underground pipeline s shall be placed in  the protective pit under roads and rail way crossings.  
5. The joints of underground pipelines , with the except ion of  pipe joints,  coupling joints  and flanged 
blind joints , shall be welded . In the case of the underground pipelines,  valves and flanged blinds shall be  installed  in the specific underground chambers or wells. Only welded valves may be 
installed outside such chambers  and wells.  
6. Gate valves , valves and other  stop devices shall be  operable and shall provide for reliable and 
rapid  pass ing of the product to the intended destinations. Any inoperable  stop device shall be 
repaired immediately.  
7. During operation, all flow lines shall b e regularly checked in order to ensure their reliability  and 
safe operation.  Upon such checks  an examination shall be made of  welded joints, leakproof  quality  
of all connections, the state of supporting structures, reinforcement and earthing devices,  the 
appearance of any corrosion and ruptures and the thickness of the walls and elements.  
 
Article  13. Pump station  
1. The Pump station at the Petroleum storage depot  is intended  for loading/unloading Petroleum 
Derivative s from  the Rail cars and  tank ships to t he tank trucks, as well as pumping within the 
Petroleum storage depot . 
2. Emergency gate valves shall be installed  at the suction and pumping pipelines outside the Pump 
station building ( 10-15 m away from the pump  building ). The gate valves of the filling devices or 
process lines may be used for the same purp ose if placed within 50 m from the pump building.  The 
inverted valve shall be installed at the pumping pipeline along with the gate valve.  
3. No flat -belt transmission may be used in premises  where pu mps of volatile flammable liquids  are 
installed . 
4. The electric engines of pumps intended for  flammable liquids shall be explosion proof. Normal 
engines may be used if installed in separate buildings.  
5. Installation, set up, testing and operation of a pump  device shall be performed in strict compliance 
with the manufacturer’s  guidelines and the Rules.  
6. Upon any power failure, all  pump engines  shall be immediately disconnected and the gate valves 
of suction and pump pipelines shall be closed.  
 
Article  14. Tank car loading rack  
1. The tank car loading rack of the Petroleum storage depot  shall be arranged at the straight section 
of the dead -end track.  
2. The track  of the tank car loading rack may not be used for  the transit traffic of locomotives, and 
no loco motive intended for delivery of the tank cars loaded with the Petroleum Derivative may enter 
the track of the tank car loading rack.  
3. Filling and emptying tank cars in the electrified tank car loading rack, as well as measuring the 
level of the Petroleum  Derivative s therein may not be performed without  disconnect ing the trolley 
line. The relevant service of the railway shall be in charge of  the disconnection and connection o f 
the trolley line following a request by the Petroleum storage depot . 
4. In the t ank car loading rack, it is prohibited  to: 
(a) carry o ut any maintenance, repair and cleaning works of the tank cars;  
(b) use any  sparking tools and devices;  
(c) accept Petroleum Deriva tives of the same type through the collectors.  
 
Article  15. Truck car  loading rack s 
1. Truck car  loading racks intended for issuing highly inflammable and burning Petroleum 
Derivatives shall be arranged at different sites. Such loading racks may be located within the same 
site if fireproof walls are erected . 
2. Each type of  Petroleum Derivative shall have  an individual pipeline connecting the reservoir and 
the filling device of the loading rack. No successive filling of Petroleum Derivatives may be 
performed with such pipeline.  3. Truck car loading rack s shall have grips with  spark -proof tips, the length  of which  shall allow for  
reaching the bottom of truck cars.  
4. Access  roads to  any truck car  loading rack s shall be safe and  shall  display  prohibitive, warning 
and indicative signs as stipulated under Article 6(3) of the Rules.  No opposing or crossing traffic 
may be allowed with such territory above.  
 
Article  16. Access structures  
1. Petroleum storage depot s shall carry out  Petroleum Derivative filling and emptying operations in 
ships by m eans of stationary and floating access s tructures . For anchored  ship s, such operations may 
be performed without such access structures by means of  an underwater pipeline.  
2. Subject to access structures, ship displacement and flow velocity, access structure s shall have  side 
obstructions and  mari ne oil collectors.  
3. Access str uctures shall be equipped with  hose coupling connectable to the  ship ’s filling/emptying  
process device, stationary, mobile or floating pumping devices and ship earthing appliances.  
4. Hose coupling provided from the shore sh all be connected by the crew, and loading berth staff 
shall connect the hose provided from the ship.  The above condition shall be met upon necessity of 
connection of the ship’s filling (emptying) device or the floati ng access structure with the hose  
pipeli ne. 
5. The mooring of a ship l oaded with Petroleum Derivative s with the most explosive temperature of  
280C shall be performed only with non-metal ropes. Metal ropes may be used  if operation areas of 
access and mooring  arrangements are covered with a spark -proof layer or insulating material.  
 
Chapter  V. Safety requirements for operation of ancillary devices  
and buildings of the Petroleum storage depot  
 
Article  17. Laboratory  
1. The laboratory of a Petroleum storage depot  shall be in charge of testing any acc epted, stored and 
disposable Petroleum Derivatives and sewage water, as well as controlling  the air at working zones 
and relevant places prior to fire or gas dangerous works.  
2. Working areas of the la boratory shall be equipped with  forced suction/pumping ventilation.  
3. No materials may be jointly stored the  interaction of which may cause a fire or explosion.  
4. No volatile flammable liquid s may be heated with an  open flame.  There shall therefore be a 
permanently full water basin.  
5. All premises of the la boratory shall be equipped with primary means of  firefighting : fire 
extinguisher, sand and felt.  
 
Article  18. Boiler  
1. Operation of the boiler  shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.  
2. The boiler shall be installed  in a separ ate building (unclosed boiler).  
3. In the event of a common wall betwee n an industrial building and  a boiler,  its grade of fire 
resistance should constitute at least four hours. 
4. For the purposes of  operation safety, the boiler shall be equipped with t he necessary valve and 
safety controls.  
 
Chapter  VI. Safety requirements for  acceptance, disposal  
and storage of the Petroleum Derivatives  
 
Article  19. General requirement s 1. All Petroleum storage depot s shall have  a process scheme for allocating the  batter y of tanks, 
reservoirs, pumping devices, filling/emptying drainage equipment, process pipelines, stop/regulating 
tools, measure/control devices and gate valves.  
2. The control ch art of gate valves for pumping  Petroleum Derivatives shall be attached to  the 
process scheme . 
3. Any alteration to  the battery of tanks, pumping devices, pipeline communications and allocation 
of valves shall be immediately reflected in the process scheme and shall be made known  to the 
operating staff.  
4. Any volatile flammable and combustible Petroleum Derivatives included in the  list of first  and 
second class  harmful substances shall be accepted, disposed and stored hermetically.  
5. The maximum safe filling/ emptying  speed for  Petroleum Derivatives is depende nt on its 
properties,  on  the  diameter of a pipeline and Petroleum Derivatives’ electri c safety 
recommendations upon filling the horizontal reservoirs.  
6. No filling and emptying  operations  involving rail cars and truck cars in loading racks and ships at  
access structures  may be t ransacted  in the event  of lightning. However,  rail car man -holes and ship 
premises shall be closed.  
7. All Reservoir s shall hold a technical certificate (Annex 2).  
 
Article  20. Filling and emptying rail cars with  Petroleum Derivatives  
1. Prior to acceptanc e (disposal) of and shipping (filling) Petroleum Derivatives by rail car , the 
proper positions and technical state of the stop valves of pipeline communications  and the  proper 
operation of filling/emptying devices  and tightness of joints of  hoses  or pipes  shall be checked , and 
any leak shall be  immediately eliminated.  
2. Filling tank cars with Petroleum Derivative s by the rated level shall be performed in a smooth 
flow and without splashing. The filling pipe or grip with tip shall reach the bottom  of the ta nk. The 
tip shall be made of  non-sparking material and  shall  be earthed.  
3. The compete discharge  of Petroleum Derivative s from tank cars to the Reservoirs shall be 
performed by means of pumps or by gravity flow  to the intake relay reservoir. Upon emptying  
Petroleum Derivative s into the intake relay reservoir, the simultaneous re -pumping thereof to the 
Overground  reservoir  shall be ensured . Any relay Reservoir shall be of at least 75%  total capacity of 
a Reservoir subject to re -pumping.  
4. It is forbidden t o open the lower emptying devices of any inoperable tank car with bench tools. 
Discharge of the Petroleum Derivative shall be performed only through the upper outlet.  
5. Petroleum Derivative s reduced  in tank cars and filling/emptyi ng devices may be heated by steam, 
hot wat er or electric heaters. Use of open fire ( bonfire, brazier, torch, brazing torch, etc. ) for the said 
purpose  is forbidden.  
6. Electric heater s shall be turned on only after sinking  into the Petroleum Derivative to a depth of at 
least at 50  cm. Disposal of  Petroleum Derivative s is forbidden upon any operated heater.  
7. The heating temperature of Petroleum Derivative s inside any tank car shall be l ower  than the 
explosive temperature of  the respective Petroleum Derivative vapour  by 15oC. 
 
Article 21. Issuing  Petroleum Derivative s in tank trucks  
1. Disposal of Petroleum Derivative s by tank cars shall be performed through the filling system 
arranged at  the tank car dock.  
2. In order to avoid  hydraulic shocks and static electricity,  any filling sy stem shall have a device 
reducing the supply of Petroleum Derivative s at initial and final stages of filling.  
3. Prior to filling Petroleum Derivative s in tank trucks, the operability of the stop valve, man -hole 
cover ( along with washer ), anti -sparking and  earthing devices and existence of  firefighting  tools  
shall be checked . 4. Tank  truck s may  not be filled when the engine is running and if the earthing device thereof is not 
connected to the earthing of the truck dock.  
 
Article  22. Loading/Unloading the sh ips 
1. The loading/unloadin g of Petroleum Derivatives with a maximum  explosion temperature  of 
280oC, as well as re -pumping thereof from one oil ship to another , shall be performed upon closed 
man-holes.  
2. Upon filling and discharging Petroleum Derivatives  with a maximum  vapour  explosion 
temperature  of 1200oC, closed (hermetic) filling/ emptying  devices  shall be used. N on-hermetic 
loading/unloading of ships is permitted for  Petroleum Derivatives with a minimum explosion 
temperature of  1200oC. 
3. When loading  the oil ship, the temperature of the Petroleum Derivative s shall be l ower than the 
explosion temperature by at least  50oC. 
4. Discharge of Petroleum Derivatives with a maximum  explosion temperature of 280oC directly to 
tank cars and vice versa, as well as  loading ships directly from oil trunk pipelines , is forbidden.  
5. All loading buoy s shall have a spe cial earthing device for pipelines and ships. The operating staff 
of any loading buoy and ship shall permanently supervise the course of loading or unloadi ng. 
 
Article  23. Pumping the Petroleum Derivatives through process pipelines  
1. All chart s of process pipelines of a Petroleum storage depot  shall allow for the completion of all 
main and auxiliary operations for Petroleum Derivatives, as well as  re-pumpin g the Petroleum 
Derivative from one Reservoir to another in the event of necessity or an accident.  
2. The r e-pumping of Petroleum Derivatives used in aviation, as well as  the re-pumping  of straight -
run gasoline and other straight -run clear gasoline  through  process pipelines shall be performed 
through the pipelines int ended only for one group of Petroleum Derivatives.  
3. Prior to any re -pumping, the pipelines shall be checked and any defects shall be corrected . Upon 
check s, special attention shall be paid to  the state of supports  and the proper operation and location 
of pipes . The  compensators  and joints shall be free in motion and shall provide for hermeticity.  
4. Upon re -pumping Petroleum Derivatives, the pressure may not exceed the rated level of a given 
pipeline.  
5. In order to avoid any hydraulic impact and emergency,  gate valves  and throttles shall be opened 
and closed without sparking.  
 
Article  24. Storage of Petroleum Derivatives  
1. Each type of Petroleum Derivative  shall be stored separately in a desi gnated  Reservoir. For safety 
purposes, special  attention shall be paid to the technical state of the Reservoir and devices installed 
thereon, as well as thunderbolt - and spark -prevention systems.  
2. Operation and maintenance of th e floating hood and pontoo n of a metal Reservoir shall be 
performed in accordance with the technical specification s and operati ng guidelines  thereof . 
3. The Reservoir’s filling and emptying capacity may not exceed the total conductivity of throttles, 
protective valves and ventilati on pipes.  
4. Upon equipping the battery of Reservoirs with a gas-equali sing line system , Reservoirs containing 
aviation, motor, leaded and unleaded fuel may not be integrated into a system.  
5. Petroleum Derivatives shall be stored in Reservoirs with intern al oil -resistant and vapour -resistant 
coatings and which comply with  electrostatic sparking prevention requirements.  
6. Upon operation of an electric heater, the requirements set out in the manufacturer’s guidelines  
shall be observed . 
 
 Chapter  VII.  Safety  requirements for  the operation of electric appliances  
 
Article  25. Electricity supply and electric appliances  
1. All Petroleum storage depot s shall have : 
(a) an electricity supply scheme included in its plan showing  the mains, tractions and allocation of 
electric appliances (transformin g stations, distributors, etc.);  
(b) a single -line principal diagram showing the mains, electric appliances, current type, sections and 
lengths of cables, models, voltage and current strength, allocation of earthing and prot ection 
switching devices.  
2. Any modification shall be reflected  in a diagram  not later than one  day subsequent to its  
application . 
3. The electricity supply diagram of the Petroleum storage depot  shall include both  the internal and 
external power supply. These shall be arranged in accordance with the design.  
4. Cable lines shall pass through places excluding any impact of high temperatures , water and 
Petroleum Derivatives thereon.  
5. Any defect found in electric grids and electric appliances of an explosio n hazardous building and 
structures that may cause sparks , cable overheating, emergency and fault of firefighting  and 
management automatic systems shall be immediately eliminated. Any inoperable  electric grid and/or 
appliances shall be disconnected until corrected . 
6. Any electric appliance used in explosion hazardous buildings and external facilities shall be 
earthed against any voltage. Any electric appliance fixed on metal structures ( irrespective  of their 
own earthing ) shall also be earthed . 
7. In explo sion hazardous buildings (pumping, discharging and other facilities), as well as in 
discharge docks and platforms, batteries  of Reservoirs, pits, wells and other places, where explosion 
hazardous gases may be accumulated , during the hours of darkness  porta ble explosion proof  lights  
shall be used , which shall be connected beyond such places.  
8. The protection means shall be used upon maintenance of the electricity supply grids and electric 
appliances.  
 
Article  26. Lightning  
1. The building s and structure s of a Petroleum storage depot  shall be protected against being direct ly 
struck by  lightning, electrostatic and electromagnetic induction and employment of  high potential 
through overground  and under ground metal communications.  
2. Building s and structures shal l be protected against being direct ly struck by  lightning by means of 
detached lightning arresters or those installed on such buildings.  
3. Protection of Reservoirs against being directly struck by lightning shall be performed by means of 
detached lightnin g arresters or those installed on such Reservoirs (in case of the reservoir hood of at 
most 4 mm thickness) and connection to the earthing (in case of the reservoir hood of at least 4 mm 
thickness, as well as individual reservoirs of at most 200 m3 capacit y irrespective of the hood 
thickness).  
4. The reservoirs of overground  and under ground battery of reservoirs of at least 100  000 m3 
capac ity shall be protected against being direct ly struck by  lightning  by means of detached lightning 
arresters. In the even t that the earthing of Reservoirs of the Petroleum storage depot  is unsuitable , 
protection may  be installed  by means of lightning arrestors.  
5. Protection of industrial buildings and structures against electrostatic induction shall be provided 
through conn ection of metal  bodies of  each device and apparatus installed in such  a building to 
special earthing or  protective earthing for electric appliances.  
6. Upon  entry into buildings and structures,  the unde rground metal communications shall be 
connected to any  earthing.  7. Upon installing lightning arrester s of any type, the zone formed by lightning arresters of other 
adjacent buildings and structures  shall be considered . If the protective zone of  an adjacent facility 
partially covers the building/structure  in question , only its remaining part(s) beyond that zone shall 
be protected against the direct str ike of lightning . 
 
Article  27. Electrostatic discharge protection  
1. In the course of process operations  at a Petroleum storage depot  related to open Petroleum 
Derivatives , in order to avoid  electrostatic discharge,  the Reservoirs, cisterns and measuring and 
testing metal tools shall be earthed.  
2. For the purposes of electrostatic discharge protection, the earthing device shall be integrated with 
the earthing dev ice of the electric device and lightning arrester. The resistance of a device intended 
for electrostatic discharge  protection may not exceed 100 o. 
3. All metal and electricity -conductive non -metal parts of the process device shall be earthed 
irrespective of any other electrostatic discharge protective measures.  
4. The metal and electricity -conductive non -metal devices, pipelines, ventilation ducts and the whole 
surfaces of covers of thermal separation devices of the pipeline shall constitute an uninterrupt ed 
power loop, which shall be connected to the earthing loop after each 40 -50 m with at least two 
points.  
5. Upon filling and discharging  Petroleum Derivative s, during the whole period of filling and 
emptying, any tank truck or tank car shall be connected to the earthing device.  The cistern man -hole 
may be opened and the filling hose may be sunk there only after earthing such cistern.  
6. Petroleum Derivative s shall be pumped into the R eservoir or cistern without any sprinkling, 
spraying or intensive batteri ng. No open Petroleum Derivative s may be filled through  free -
discharging. The distance between the filling hose end and the intake basin bottom shall not exceed 
200 mm ; otherwise, the flow shall be directed along a wall.  
7. In order to avoid any electrosta tic discharge,  the pumping speed of the  Petroleum Derivative into 
the Re servoir, cistern or ship basin shall not exceed the rated limit  for preventing discharge  of the 
charge brought to the Reservoir, cistern or ship basin by the Petroleum Derivative flow . The rated 
limits for pumping  open  Petroleum Derivatives are calculated through specific formulas depending 
on the diameter of the process pipeline.  
8. Upon filling  an empty Reservoir, the supply speed may not exceed 1 m/sec until reaching the 
upper part o f the discharge pipe.  
9. Manual sampling of Petroleum Derivative s from a Reservoir is permitted  after at least 10 min utes 
following  completion of filling. Prior to sampling, the sampler shall be reliably earthed by means of 
welded  copper  houser  (for instan ce, at the rail of the reservoir hood). The entirety  of the houser shall 
be checked prior to any use of the sampler.  
10. Measuring of resistance of the earthing device shall be performed once a year.  Results of 
measuring and repairs shall be entered into a specific book.  
 
Chapter  VIII.  Safety requirements  for repair works  
 
Article  28. Works in safe areas and welding works  
1. Safe works shall be completed by  staff using personal means  of protection, spark -proof tools and 
boots.  
2. Prior to commencement of wo rks in a gas hazardous  areas, an authori sed person shall check the 
operability of  the airline respirator  (use of the filtering protective masks and oxygen respirators is 
forbidden) and stability of the safety belt and rope. In such areas, it is only permit ted to use  
explosion -proof  lights, which shall be connected beyond such unsafe area.  
3. In areas of repair works,  control  air tests shall be carried out.  4. Fire works shall include those related to use of open fire, and sparking and heating of materials 
and structures up to the  temperature of their inflammation . 
5. Upon carrying out fire works at a workplace, the primary means of firefighting  shall be provided . 
6. Open works may be conducted with Reservoirs and process pipelines only following  emptying, 
installation of dampers, ventilating  with vapour  or inert gas and completion of  air tests.  
7. Fire works may not  be conducted in basins simultaneously with any other repair works.  
 
Article  29. Repair and cleaning of the reservoirs, pumping devices and pipeli nes 
1. Repair works and cleaning of Reservoirs, pumping devices and pipelines shall be scheduled 
according to local conditions and properties of the works.  
2. Prior to commencement of  cleaning works, labourers shall undertak e the Induction on safe 
operatio n and first -aid treatment, which shall be reflected in  the access permit log (Annex 3). No 
work may be commenced without such access permit.  
3. Access to work in the Reservoir shall  be granted , provided that : 
(a) the vapour  content of the Petroleum Derivat ives is lower  than the rated limit of concentration;   
(b) the oxygen content is not lower  than 20% (as per volume);  
(c) the air temperature in the Reservoir is lower tha n 350oC; 
(d) the relative humidity in the Reservoir is l ower  than 70%.  
4. Upon conducti ng works in a Reservoir, suction/pumping ventilation and illumination of the 
workplace  shall be carried out . In the event of suction/pumping ventilation, la bourers shall be 
equipped with airline respirators.  
5. Prior to commencement of repair works, the pu mp shall be stopped and disconnected from the 
pipeline (the gate valve shall be closed and damper shall be applied) and discharged of the product. 
If repair works are carried in the operated pumping chamber, spark  safety measures  shall be taken . 
6. Prior t o commencement of repair works,  the pipeline shall be discharged of the product and 
disconnected from any operated pipelines and Reservoirs by means of gate valves and dampers. 
Cleaning of the pipeline with  metal rod or similar instrument is forbidden.  
7. Prior to repair works at pipelines located in the pits or wells, the absence of Petroleum Derivative  
vapour  or gases therein  shall be proven . 
 
Article  30. Firefighting  measures  
1. Upon operation of the Petroleum storage depot , the requirements stipulated u nder Order No 449 
of the Minister of Interior of Georgia ‘On approval of firefighting  rules applicab le in Georgia’ of 27 
March 2007 shall be strictly complied with . 
2. All buildings and structures  and process devices located within the Petroleum storage de pot shall 
have the relevant firefighting  means. The quantity and composition of such  firefighting  means shall 
comply with the rules stipulated under the first paragraph of this Article.  Annex 1  
 
Minimal distances from building and structures of the Petrol eum storage depot  
 
N
o 
 Description  
 Distance from the battery of reservoirs and 
discharge/filling device of the Petroleum storage 
depot  per categories, m.  
  I II, III  
1 Building and structures of adjacent 
enterprise  100 40 
2 
2.
1 
 
 
2.
2 Forest s: 
Coniferou s forests  
 
Deciduous forest s 
(The given definitions are defined in 
accordance with the laws of Georgia)   
100 
 
20  
50 
 
20 
3 Warehouses of the highly inflammable 
materials and combustion agents   
100  
50 
4 
4.
1 
 
4.
2 
4.
3 General railway system line:  
At statio ns 
At separatings and platforms  
At railway hauls   
100 
80 
50  
80 
60 
40 
5 
5.
1 
5.
2 Public roads : 
Motorways  
In cities and settlements   
50 
30  
30 
20 
6 Residential and public buildings  200 100 
Notes : (a) category  I includes Petroleum storage depot s with Reser voirs of at least 100  000 m3 total 
capacity;  category  II includes those with 20  000-100 000 m3 capacity and category III includes those 
with a maximum capacity of  20 000 m3; 
(b) the distance from buildings and structures of category  II Petroleum storage de pots of at least 
50 000 m3 capacity shall constitute 100 m according to the first row and 200 m according to 6th row 
of the Table.  
 
 
 Annex 2 
Technical certificate for R eservoir s 
 
1. General data  
 
Reservoir number  according to the  process chart  --------- -------------------------------------  
Rated capacity  of the reservoir, m3 ----------------------------------------------------------------  
Storage depot  line height, mm  ---------------------------------------------------------------------  
Maximal fill, mm  ------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------  
Minimal fill, mm  ------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------  
Petroleum Derivative to be stored  ---------------------------------- ------------------------------  
Shape of the reservoir  ------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------  
Shape of the reservoir bottom  --------------------------------------------------------------------- - 
Manufacturer and serial  number  ------------------------------------ -------------------------------  
 
2. Geometrical dimensions  
 
Height (Length) of the reservoir, mm  ------------------------------ ---------------------------  
Number of belts  ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------  
Diameter of the reservoir, mm ----------------------------------- -------------------------------  
Thickness of wall metal of the reservoir per belt, mm  ------------------------------- -------  
Thickness of bottom met al of the reservoir, mm ---------------------------------------------  
 
3. Reservoir  properties  
 
Ventilation hood type  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 
Protective hood type  --------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- - 
Measuring device type  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------  
Pontoon type  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------  
Other devices  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 
 
4. Reservoir cleaning data  
Date of cleaning  
 Person performing 
cleaning  Results of cleaning  Signature  
 
    
    
 
 
 
5. Repair of reservo ir and its devices  
Date of repair  
 Reservoir and its 
devices  Person carrying out 
repair  Signature  
 
    
    Annex  3 
 
Petroleum storage depot  
 
Approved by  
Director  
____________________  
Signature  
..... .......................... 20.....  
 
 
Access permit  
 
1. Issued  to 
__________________________________________________________________________  
Date and full name  
________________________________________________________________________________
_________  
of the worker  (person in charge of performance)  
2. Type of w ork 
_______________________________________________________________________  
Scope of work and hazardous and  
________________________________________________________________________________
_________  
harmful factors to be indicated  
3. Places of work  ________ __________________________________________________  
Department, sector, place, device, building  
4. Group members  
 
No Full name  Completed work  Qualification  I hereby confirm that I am familiar 
with the  work conditions and hav e 
undergone  induction  
    Signat ure Date  
1 Responsible 
person      
2      
3      
 
5. Estimated time of work  
Starts at  _____________ hour ___________ date 
Ends at  _____________ hour ___________ date 
 
6. Safety measures       ________________________________  
Organi sational and technical safety  
________________________________________________________________________________
___________  
measures to be indicated upon site preparation and conduct ing of works , ________________________________________________________________________________
_____ ______  
personal protective means, working regime  
7. Necessary annexes  ____________________________________________________  
Diagrams, drawings, analysis, etc.  
8. Permit issued by  
__________________________________________________________________  
Title, full  name, signature, date  
9. Extension of access permit  ______________________________________________  
Date, time, signature of issuer  
________________________________________________________________________________
____  
Full name, title  
10. Changes in the gro up membership (new members of the group certify with their signatures that 
they are familiar with  the assigned works and had the induction ) 
11. The work is complete and the access permit is cancelled  
________________________________________________________ ________________________
______  
Full name of worker , title, signature, date, time  
 
Notes : 1. Individual access permits shall  be issued against each type of work . 
2. In the event of any change of type or growth of  the scope of the work or extension of the 
workplace, a new access permit  shall be issued . 
3. No amendment or addenda may be made to the access permit.